The Midlands has the lowest average hotel room price in the UK, so your money is bound to stretch further than elsewhere. But, keep a few things in mind anyway:
- Breakfast may not be included
- There may be a fee or a slow connection for wi-fi
- Factor in travel costs to attractions
- Beware of super cheap offers which may be almost impossible to pin down.
1. nitenite cityhotel in Birmingham
Imagine you're in the cabin of a luxury yacht and you'll have the measure of this city center hotel in Birmingham. The concept is "small but perfectly formed". Rooms at nitenite are not for lingering and lounging about it. They are modern, clean and well equipped but very tiny. That's what keeps the price so small. Within each rooms 6.8 square meters, guests will find cherry wood and leather furnishings and fittings, a 42-inch plasma screen telly, free WiFi, power showers and high tech wet rooms. Other necessities, like irons and hairdryers, are kept at reception. What more do you need? Well maybe a window if you suffer from claustrophobia.
2. The Manor Hotel in Meriden, Solihull
Halfway between Birmingham and Coventry, this is a good hotel to choose if you are attending an exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham's huge national exhibition center. It's handy for the airport and Birmingham International Railway Station and just a few minutes from Junction 6 of the M42 motorway. A bit corporate is style, the Manor hosts conferences and weddings so keep that in mind if you are thinking of a quiet stopover. But rooms are well equipped, there's free WiFi and plenty of parking, plus an onsite restaurant.
3. Away2Stay in Birmingham
And now for something completely different, how about a city center stay on a narrow boat, docked in the middle of town. Birmingham's Gas Street Basin, behind the Mailbox shopping center, and Brindley Place, near IKON, the city's contemporary art space, have both served as moorings for this floating bed and breakfast. the hotel boat has two double cabins and a twin cabin, with central heating, comfy beds and a cottage-like atmosphere. Full English or Continental buffet breakfasts are served in the boat's saloon, complete with a boatman's coal-fired stove.Step on the dock and you return to Birmingham's most sophisticated quarter with its ritziest shopping, bars and restaurants. What a find.
4. The Hatters Hostel in Birmingham
The Hatters Hostel, which also has branches in Liverpool and Manchester comes close to crossing the line into hotel territory. Single and double rooms are available as are triples and on up to dorm style rooms for 12. All have private toilets and power showers. Breakfast of tea, juice, coffee and toast is available free, around the clock and WiFi is free in all common areas. Located in Birmingham's trendy Jewellery Quarter, this place is equally useful for clubbers and families in town to shop and sight see.
5. Jurys Inn Derby
Stick with the popular brands of budget accommodations in Derby and you won't go far wrong. All the usual suspects are present and accounted for. Jurys Inn, the Irish moderately priced chain, is in the heart of the city's stylish Cathedral Quarter. It's a large and immaculate hotel with large rooms, big enough for three adults or two adults and two children. Furnishings are contemporary and rooms are well equipped. The hotel offers family packages that include tickets to nearby Alton Towers theme park.
6. Days Hotel in Derby
Another good choice for family travelers in Derby, Days Hotel is a budget option with large rooms and good basic amenities. Located on the Derbyshire Country Cricket Grounds development, the hotel is also near Alton Towers and the city center. Tall travelers will appreciate the 6 foot beds. Cooked breakfast is available for an extra charge.
7. The Ramada Encore in Derby
Close to the Pride Park, the Derby football grounds, as well as the train station, this is a bland but reliable hotel and the price is right for a short stay. Rooms have colorful, contemporary decor, WiFi is available in the public areas and meeting rooms. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and is close to the city center.
8. Holiday Inn Express in Derby
A purpose-built, 103 room hotel, the Holiday Inn Express is within a ten minute walk of the city center, train and bus stations as well as Derby County Football Club. It's in the Pride Park shopping and office development. Rooms are contemporary and well maintained but not very exciting - just what you need for a stop over while touring. Power showers and in-room WiFi are provided and the buffet breakfast is included in the price.
9. Premier Inn Stoke Trentham Gardens
This large Premier Inn, in the Trentham Gardens area of Stoke, does all the things this chain is known for. Cheap rooms with comfortable beds, well kept and well located for travelers. Near Junction 15 on the M6, the hotel is within easy reach of Waterworld and Trentham Park Golf Course. Rooms are contemporary and comfortably furnished and the hotel has a budget restaurant and bar. Nothing wrong at all - just too bad the very dull exterior and expanse of unlandscaped grass makes it look a bit like a mental hospital.
10. The Innkeeper's Lodge,The Hedgehog in Litchfield
This small British group is run by a company that delivers mass market hospitality - Harvester Restaurants, Toby's Carvery's and the like - around the country. They are professional at what they do and themodern, basic and cheap rooms are clean and comfortable. Most rooms are big enough for three adults or small family groups. A complimentary breakfast-in-a-bag, that includes cereal and milk, juice, a muffin, a croissant, butter and jam, is included in the rate.
